St. Mary's - June 2006 Newsletter

Life at St. Anne’s Holds Memories of St. Mary’s

By Fr. Paul O’Connell

Greetings from that priest who is “just down the road but not over the hill.” As St. Paul so often wrote to his brothers and sisters in faith “I give thanks to God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus that in him you were enriched in every way…so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift.” (1 Cor. 1:4-7)

I think of these words often and am so grateful for the many years spent in your midst and among the wonderful people of all Shrewsbury.

I have lived here at St. Anne Parish for one year now and there is not a day that goes by that someone from St. Mary Parish does not cross my path. Whether at the local bank, Spags 19, Dunkin Donuts, Willy’s or Bugaboo Creek – there is that smile of recognition and a renewal of friendship. Gathered for worship on the weekend in this church, I often see a familiar family or face – here for the convenience of a Mass time or for the air conditioning on a hot day! At a baptism, funeral or wedding the people from the lake and the center come together to celebrate. On a serious note it makes me think of the unity of our faith, our cluster sharing and the connectedness we have for our common mission to bring Jesus Christ to all in our beloved town.

As many of you know, the original churches of St. Anne and St. Mary were built identically and dedicated by Bishop Thomas O’Leary on the same day back in 1924. Since those days the town has grown tremendously, the parishes have flourished and a “new” church and school built at St. Mary. Each is prominently positioned so that no one passing by on Boston Turnpike or Main Street can forget the Catholic roots of this area. Each has its own personality and together is an essential part of the history and life of Shrewsbury. We share in an ecumenical spirit that is unmatched in many places. Together we have grown in Christ, contributing in countless ways to the educational and worship atmosphere for thousands of people who come here to find a peaceful, religious life. Those in need find welcome as well as food, clothing and shelter from our generous people who know what it means to be “poor in spirit.”

Countless priests and sisters as well as laity have come and gone from this mission field. Their names are enshrined in the cemetery that fronts St. Anne on Rt. 9 or in the many places of rest in this area. In the rectory there are three priests who have all served at St. Mary. Fr Bernard Gilgun, the renowned preacher and unforgettable pioneer for civil rights as well as the founder of the Mustard Seed, served at St. Mary’s back in the 60’s and assisted in building the present St. Mary Church. He has lived here at St. Anne for the past 34 years. Fr. Edward Moran, distinguished looking priest and pastor here for the past 18 years, served at St. Mary in the 70’s. And myself who has ministered and been welcomed in town for the past 14 years. I’m sure you can imagine our conversations at dinner!! Every single word is tinged with admiration, wonder and gratitude for a people who have come to know Jesus Christ and put His Gospel message into practice. May Jesus and Mary, His Mother, bless us as our paths continue to cross on our journey of faith. See you at “Dunkin!”

Fr. Paul O’Connell is our beloved former pastor.